I have been trying for a couple of days to write this post.  I just can’t do it justice. It comes out either inadequate or sounding self-righteous, and I surely don’t feel self-righteous.  I feel CONVICTED!

I feel convicted because for many years my Gospel has had a huge and gaping hole in it.  I grew up in Evangelical circles believing that any type of social gospel brought dependency.  Missions were primarily evangelistic, but decidedly not humanitarian.  Missionaries went to great lengths to keep themselves and their lives unentangled from those of the people they were evangelizing.  Even within my current world of homeschooling, there is some thought which says that young women are not allowed to do mission work, that it is wrong.  Even though I have never believed that, I find myself wanting to repent for the viewpoints of my “tribe.”

So, I’m just going to send you to Katie’s blog, where you can answer this question for yourself:  What if we all lived the Gospel like Katie does?

I’m telling you.  I am humbled, inspired, convicted, and repentant – all after reading her blog.  She’s given me the gift of seeing the Gospel in a whole new way!  She’s just a normal, twenty year old….who is “mommy” to 13 Ugandan girls and who has launched a ministry that provides yearly sponsorship and a feeding program for around 300 children.  God is using this young woman’s life to give hope to an entire community – life, and love, and a future and a hope.  Someday, I think that a future Hall of Faith will have Katie’s name right up at the top.

For many of us, we will never be able to go to Uganda and care for hungry children, but we can pray and we can give.  We can do the jobs that God has given us to do with everything that we have within us.  We can reach out to our communities, right here, right now.  Some of you who read here are young, and you have not determined what God would have you do with your life.  You might be surprised at what God wants to do, through you.

So, go on….fall in love.  And don’t forget to ask the question…”What if?”  And maybe….”What do you want ME to do, Lord?”

Here’s Katie’s blog, called “The Journey,” with the subtitle of “on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Here’s a link to the Amazima website (Katie’s ministry) where you can read the history and

Here’s a link to stories of some of her individual children and how they came to call her “Mommy.”

And here, just as a bonus, are links to the blogs of two other “Hall of Faithers”, amazing young women, who run homes and ministries for unwanted children.   I am so full of praise to our God for these women who are living out their faith in such tangible ways.

Homes of Love – Bolivia

Sarah’s Covenant Homes – India

What if???

My oldest son, Jacob, often gets asked what it is like to be the oldest of 8 kids, and he usually responds, “Crazy.”  He says it with a smile though, because even though we have a rowdy gang of little people here, he wouldn’t trade a single one of them.

I’ve watched and admired Jake over the years as he’s developed the ability to work through almost any kind of distraction.  Those of you who knew him when he was little and rather hyper would never believe it, but he’s grown up very calm and steady.  I’ve often watched him as he simultaneously bounces a baby on his knee and works on a computer program.  He holds the little one *just so* to keep grasping fingers (and toes) away from the keyboard, talking to the baby but also typing in commands with his non-dominant hand.  There isn’t much that fazes him, and I am pretty sure that came from living and schooling in close quarters with many siblings.

Jake has a tender spot for his littlest sister, Mariam.  He’s almost 16 years older than she is, and even though his hips are too skinny to lend her a decent place to perch, the feeling is mutual.  She loves to play with his buzz cut and tries to steal his glasses.  He wipes her face and hands after meals and carries her at the park.

I was surprised six months or so ago when Jacob decided to sponsor a child through World Vision.  Correction:  I wasn’t surprised that he chose to sponsor a child.  Jake is one of those young entrepreneurs who will be a millionaire by the time he is 25.  (Ahem.  Assuming that we remain a free-market society, that is….)  He works as a Page – shelving books at our local library, he mows yards, and he fixes computers.  (And when he comes home from work today he will probably log in to my account and voluntarily fix all of my typos…)

What I was really surprised at was that when it came time to choose a child, Jake chose to sponsor a little girl.  I was sure he related so well to our little boys that it would be second nature to select a boy, but he didn’t.

He picked up a packet for a little brown-skinned girl from Tanzania, named Kija.

Well, I should tell you that we all fell in love with Kija instantly.  We just did.  We didn’t know anything about her, really, just that she was four years of age and lived in Africa.  We put her picture up on our refrigerator, right with our other childrens’ photos.  We prayed for Kija and her family, even our littlest children.

Gradually, over time, we have learned more about little Kija.  She has two sisters and little brother.  She is fortunate to have two parents.  They are subsistance farmers, raising maize and sweet potatoes.

Kija sends us letters, helped by an uncle and a translator with World Vision.  We write to Kija, too, telling her about our family and about how we all love her and pray for her to be healthy and strong.  We tell her that we love Jesus and that Jesus loves her too.

Yes, Kija is Jake’s little girl, but our whole family loves her and we take part in sending her packages.  We enjoy being creative to see what we can fit into a 6 x 9 envelope.  Last month we sent three cloth dolls for Kija and her sisters (all five years old and under.)  My mother has made hundreds upon hundreds of simple cloth dolls for children around the world.  She was thrilled to make some for her new little “great grandchildren” half way around the world.  We also sent a matchbox car for the littlest brother and a pack of sewing needles and a spool of thread for Kija’s mama.

Simple things, but Kija was so thrilled.  Today Jake received a letter from a very effusive Kija.

Dear Jacob,

I hope that you are fine together with your family.  I am fine together with our family.

Thank you very much for the good gifts of 3 dolls, toy, sewing kit and letter.  I am very happy to receive all these items you sent me.

I am continuing well with my friends.  We like to play group games, sometimes to play Dolls.  Thank you for good news from your family.  I have enjoyed much!

My age is not allowed to start school.  I stay at home.  These Dolls you sent me I will play with my friend Holo.

My favorite food is rice and beans and my favorite play is Dolls.

Yours, Kija

Do you think that Kija was smitten with the simple cloth dolls?    She mentioned them three times!    I wonder if Kija has any other toys?

Today, when I ran errands, I bought Kija a simple, easy washing and fast-drying dress for her birthday.  (I thought of her mother washing clothing by hand; how she needs something that dries quickly and still looks pretty.)  What else can we fit into an envelope?  Little by little, over time, we can brighten Kija’s life.  And on the other hand, we will have been blessed to have prayed for years for a little girl on the other side of the world.  God will have used us to directly impact her life and her family’s life.

How very, very simple it was for one American teenager to bring much delight and joy to a little girl’s life.  What a simple way for the people of God to impact nations.

And you know, this is one thing that I see from this next generation that God is raising up.  I see compassion, tenderheartedness, a willingness to be used by Him.  I see a generation that is less focused on trappings and on things, and more focused on the simplicity of the Gospel.  This next generation, my children included,  has been born into a technological age.  They are able to read the blogs of people around the world, they are able to graphically see the poverty and pain; and they don’t want to give any excuses for not dealing with what they see.

God is very much still at work, and don’t you forget that when you are tempted to despair and to fear over unstable days.  We are still here, they are still here, and there is much that God wants accomplished at this time.  There are millions of people who need to hear of His love, millions of children, like Kija,  who need to be clothed and fed in His name.  Each day that we awaken, we have a job to do, people to love and to welcome in to God’s kingdom.  I PROMISE that as your family reaches out they will be the ones who are blessed.  No dry and dusty ministry in this, just pure, fresh, living water for both the giver and the receiver.

Take Courage, have Hope, be not afraid – God is with you, He has something for you to be doing, and He has plenty of people for you to reach out to!

I have really enjoyed reading about the experiences of the bloggers who are in India with Compassion, Intl. this week.  Maybe you’d enjoy hearing their stories too.  Angie Smith blogs at Bring the Rain (and may I say that you should be reading Angie’s blog already.  Be sure and start alllll the way at the beginning.)  Shaun Groves blogs here, and Beth Moore’s daughter Melissa blogs about the trip at the Living Proof Ministries blog. Be blessed – and go adopt a child or two, or ten!    Wouldn’t you love to adopt them all?

My fellow Sarah fans will enjoy this recount of the good guv’s evening in Indiana – those who do not share our fondness for Sarah will hopefully tolerate this post.    It’s late here and I’ve promised my husband that I wouldn’t be too long – but I’ll still try and give you a nice and full scoop.

What surprised me most about Sarah was her size.

She’s tiny.

My guess is that she is about 5′2″ or 5″3″ and weighs 120 pounds.  I really didn’t expect that.  I think that because we’ve all seen Sarah on television, and we’ve heard about her “presence,” I had come to expect a tall and comandeering woman.

Sarah is also quite unassuming.  That surprised me as well, but I liked it.  Her clothing for the banquet was understated – a dark charcoal grey skirt and jacket.  Her hair was partially pulled back in a twist, with some sort of a barrette and two clips on either side.  (Women like to know these things, right?)  She wore her librarian glasses.    Sarah looked like a woman who was trying to blend in, not someone who was trying to be the star of a show. Forgive me for saying that her suit wasn’t even particularly flattering – but I think it needs to be said considering all of the flak she received over her clothing during the campaign. She’s obviously not a “clothes horse” nor an attention seeker. She seems to seek to serve out of a love for her country and out of a belief that she is following God’s purpose for her life.

(Here’s the back of Sarah’s head, for the ladies who are interested in hair and fashion.    That’s my friend Julie up in the right hand corner.  Julie and her family got to attend the S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome breakfast this morning, which featured Todd and Sarah.  Julie has some great pictures on her site, too.)

Sarah seems made of steel, especially when she is being interviewed on national television.  In this event, I perceived her as  thoughtful, and humble, and she  demurred to her husband Todd on several occasions.  They just “work” together, like a man and woman who love each other deeply and sacrificially should.

Now, this is purely personal speculation, but I thought Sarah looked a little weary.  I think her heart is heavy.  It has been a whirlwind of a year for her.  There have been so many accusations thrown against her and her family, most of which do not house an ounce of truthfulness.  I’ve seen and heard her refute many of these accusations via her press conferences from the Governor’s office, but you know how it is.  Once something is spoken it takes on a life of its own – no matter if it is true or not.  Truth be told, I wanted to wisk Sarah away and share a cup of coffee and some chocolate with her.  I wanted to pray with her and encourage her to listen only to God and not to those who try to destroy her.  I am proud of this sister in Christ, who faces much opposition but who as best I can tell is trying to listen to the Lord’s will for her life.  She is walking a road that I think I can safely say none of us ever will – it is her road alone and I’m thankful that she and Todd are willing to travel it.  They have suffered much.  It helps to see them in person – you see them as real human beings with strengths and weaknesses.  It reminds me to pray for them.

(Is it just me, or does my head look a little large here?  Hee Hee.  My kids love Gimp.  But look how proud Sarah looks of me in this photo!  Humor me, people!  She’d love me, I just know it!)

The banquet center was surrounded by news crews.  Everyone, big and small, wanted to see Sarah.  We knew when she entered the hall, because you could see a ripple through the room.  People stood on chairs, just to see the tip top of Sarah’s head.  Michael Steele was there, too, but really, Sarah was the center of the party.  The tickets for this event were sold out before they were even made available to the public.  As I mentioned before, we bought our tickets the instant we heard on-line rumours that the Palins might be present.  Are we ever glad we did!  The banquet itself hosted 2,500 people, and there was an over-flow auditorium where 600 more people viewed a live feed.

Let’s talk about Michael Steele for a moment.  He was absolutely inspiring.  He came to the banquet amidst some static about comments made in an interview last month.  After reading the interview and hearing his explanation, it is my view that his comments were taken out of context.  In the interview he spoke from the political reality of a woman’s legal right to choose an abortion.  As much as I wish it weren’t so, it is the law of our land – and that is what he was saying.  There was no compromise.  Michael Steele was born out of wedlock to a woman who could not care for him, and he was given up for adoption.  He is adamantly pro-life.  (Did you know that Larnelle Harris and Clarence Thomas were also born to mothers who could not raise them?  Look at what incredible gifts from Heaven these men are…we’ve been given a glimpse into our Heavenly Father’s heart through these and many other individuals.  Each life has value – to Him and to His Kingdom.)

Matthew West sang.  There is a lot of unspoken ground covered in that simple sentence.  Matthew has an incredible ability to connect with his audience.  He spoke from his heart, with what seemed to be true humility and sincerity.  My “guys” were pretty excited to meet him, although in this picture it looks like Matthew is getting his picture taken with my son Nick, rather than the other way around.    Well, Hmph.   As Nick’s mom, I say that someday Matthew West may very well be pleased to have had his picture taken with Nick, and Jake too. 

Back to the real star of the show.

Sarah.

She really is lovely – on the inside and out.  She spoke from her heart.  At the end of the day, she’s most importantly just wife and mom, a simple, humble, down-to-earth woman.  She believes in the value of human life, because human life is “ordained by God,” and “made in the image of the Creator.”

I really wanted to watch Trig grow up, beautifully and perfectly, as the son of the Vice President of the United States.  That did not happen; but I see that he is still very much in the national eye.  I believe that he, and his famous mom and dad, will bring much positive awareness and love to the special needs community.  I know that our local Down Syndrome community brought much love and understanding to the Palins.

Once the banquet was over, Todd, Sarah, and Michael S. made their way out of the hall.  My son Jake was fortuitiously standing right in their path, and Sarah shook his hand.  Lucky boy.

We next followed some other homeschoolers and raced down to the auditorium where Michael Steele and the Palins were addressing the overflow crowd.  We stood at the stage door, scarcely able to believe our good fortune.  We were just a few feet away.

When the evening was completely over, we reluctantly left the building and watched as the film crews powdered their faces and wrapped up their reporting.

It was a perfect evening; very worshipful, very uplifting, very sobering as we pondered the state of the unborn in the USA.  Many, many hearts were united as we prayed for life to once again be valued in our great nation.

My soul was encouraged, as I was reminded of the great number of people who still care, who still pray, who still will work to love mothers and the children they carry beneath their hearts.

We are not all apathetic.  There is a vast number who are repentant and who are asking for God to intervene for life.

I am hopeful, as my teens are impassioned for the cause of life – all life – at all stages from the womb until natural death.  They join a large and growing number of young people who will tirelessly work in new ways to change America’s heart regarding the curse of abortion.  I believe that God will do mighty things through this next generation.  It is a glorious, amazing time to be alive.

Thanks for vicariously sharing the evening with me.

Here’s footage of the entire speech if you are interested.

I want to give you links for a couple of websites.  I know you are going to love these children at Sarah’s Covenant Homes, and pray for them.  They live in India, and have many needs, but thankfully, they have a “mama” named Sarah who loves them and is caring for them.

In particular, Sarah would like for us to pray for a little girl, named Grace.

And if you go here, you can read about a young woman who runs baby homes in Bolivia. They have adoptions, and new arrivals, and recently went through chicken pox and the death of one of their little ones.  I don’t know either Sarah or Jennifer  – yet – but someday, in Heaven, I will.  I look forward to meeting people who live and love so freely.

My oldest children have added these websites to their bloglines, so that they can love and pray for children in other countries.

This….these….these are the ministries that we need to support.  They are truly God’s Hands to the least of these!

I have purposed to live honestly and simply before you, and as such, I’d like to share some things that God is doing in our lives.  I’ve got several personal stories that I’d like to tell you over the next week or so.  Be sure and read all the way to the bottom of this post!

Many of you know that I have a tiny business on the side.  I make bears out of fabrics that are special to people.  For example, if a loved one has died, I might take a shirt or pair of blue jeans, or maybe a bedspread – and I sew it into a bear that can be hugged and held.  In essence, I take memories out of a box and put them into someone’s arms.  I love the concept.

I had a recent order for seven bears.  I was combining the clothing of a Grandfather and a Grandmother who had passed away.  The bears were to go to seven grandchildren.  It was so neat to see the bears come together.  The colors were mostly whimsical and vibrant.  I had a problem, though.  I was not able to find the stuffing material that I like to use – not at any location.  Not at Wal-Mart, nor Hobby Lobby, nor Jo-Ann’s, Amazon, Ebay…no where.

I continued to sew, and plan the eyes and ribbons, but the deadline was nearing and I needed to get these bears mailed out in time for them to arrive at their destination for Christmas.  At last the final night came and right before bed I tucked my materials away and said, “Lord, you know that I am going to need this Cluster Stuff.  There is no more work that I can do until I find the filling.  I can use inferior stuffing, but that won’t reflect well on my work.  Can you help me?”

And I went to bed.

The next morning I awoke.  Because I am not a morning person, I assumed my normal position in the corner of the couch, propped up with my coffee in hand.

I took a couple of sips, said “Good Morning, Lord,” then continued to stare into space.  (I am sooooo not a morning person.)

The Lord impressed upon me, “This would be a good day to head over to *********”  (Which is a town about 30 miles away.)  I pondered for a mere two minutes more, then got up and marshalled the familial troops.  We headed out of the door and into the van.

We drove to the little town, walked into the craft section of Wal-Mart, and there, sitting on the shelf was a brand new shipment of Cluster Stuff.  I can’t be sure, but I believe that a Heavenly Light was beaming down upon the display and angels were singing.    I gushed effusively to the elderly employee.  I am sure that she thought I was off my rocker.  Surely they don’t see women weeping over Cluster Stuff every day…thankfully no one arrived with a straight jacket nor a paddy wagon to haul me away to the funny farm.

That wasn’t all, though.

I went on to my favorite little discount grocery store, where the most delicious, gorgeous, lucious strawberries were on sale for .50 cents a pound.  I bought 8 pounds.  What an amazing treat for the month of December!  I won’t bore you with the other specials – but I left that store KNOWING that God had provided for our family once again.  Our hearts sang with Thanksgiving and praise to the ONE who had shown His care and concern.

And that wasn’t all.

We made record time for having a group of toddlers with us.  I even felt brave enough to venture into the antique glass-filled thrift store with a gaggle of little grasping hands.  I knew I was supposed to go there.

God has given us the understanding that we are to ask Him for all things, and the better understanding that He is the Provider of all that we have.  I am in the habit of talking to Him throughout the day.  I might say something like, “Lord, Sammy and Ben are going to need dress shoes.  And underwear.  Nick needs jeans.  Josiah needs shoes.”  It’s not always the material, either.  Sometimes it goes something like this, “Mommy needs patience.  Mommy needs courage.”

So we walked into the thrift store.  What did I find?  Black dress shoes for Sammy.  Shoes for Josiah.  Six pairs of BRAND NEW BUZZ LIGHTYEAR underwear.  (I always tell the children that God gives good.  He could give plain ol’ white underwear and we’d be perfectly thankful.  But He blesses those little boy hearts with Buzz Lightyear.  Faith building during the pre-school years.)  Blue jeans for Nick.  And even….even a top of the line really nice bike for Emily.  Emily has been needing a bike for several years.  Her hand-me-down from her brother’s hand-me-down just was worthless, and my girl needs an opportunity for exercise to stay healthy.

These aren’t isolated events.  God moves in our hearts and our lives over and over again.  We have to watch and listen, and we have to be sure and cultivate thankfulness, but He provides.  Isn’t He amazing?

God is doing so many amazing things in our lives right now.  It is so exciting to watch our children grow up and to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our oldest ones continue to grow and find God’s calling on their lives.  They are developing their skills and talents.  It’s a pretty awesome time in life.

But I’ve waited until the end to tell you the most exciting news of all!

Just this week, Jeff called me in the middle of the day and said, “I’ve got a new job!”  He has worked this past year as a family counselor for a private social service organization.  He has mostly counseled with families who have felt themselves drifting toward chaos and have self-referred for intervention and help.  The company has grown by leaps and bounds, and has expanded their departments and resources.  As of this week, he has been elevated to management and will be heading up the development and oversight of these departments.  This came as an utter surprise, as he had not applied for a specific position nor was he anticipating anything on the near horizon.  He is ready for this job, however, due to previous administrative organizational structure (and restructuring) work that he has done.  He’s already stepping into his new role as I type.

Thanks for letting me share these things with you – and THANK YOU, God!